Family Trustees: Very often, the Trustee of a Trust is a family member. There are many reasons to create a Trust, but most often all transactions are kept within a family. In those circumstances, the family member Trustee will often get paid nothing, or a nominal amount. The work is done out of love and affection.
Corporate Trustees: In other circumstances, however, there are no family members to act as Trustees. Alternatively, the entire point of the Trust may be to take the asset management and distribution out of the family’s discretion. In those circumstances, a corporate trustee may be the only solution.
Minimum Balance: This solution, however, is not appropriate for every trust. Certain banks and some financial management companies provide Trustee services. Most banks, however, have a minimum balance below which they are not willing to manage the Trust. Chase, reportedly, has a $2MM dollar minimum trust balance. Other institutions may get involve with lower amounts (such as $500,000 trusts).
Fees: Annual trust management fees can range between 1-2% of the trust balance assets (this fee will cover administration, record keeping, and disbursements). In addition, the institution may charge a separate fee for the asset management services.
The information in this blog was adapted from
http://online.barrons.com/news/articles/SB51367578116875004693704580486391945783842
Disclaimer: This article only offers general information. Each situation is unique. It is always helpful to talk to a specialized attorney, to figure out your various options and ramifications of actions. As every case has subtle differences, please do not use this article for legal advice. Only a signed engagement letter will create an attorney-client relationship.